A new £1.3m permanent indoor tennis centre has been officially opened in Deal, Kent, by Dover District Council (DDC) chair Sue Nicholas and UK tennis player Naomi Cavaday.

The Vista Leisure-run centre features spectator seating and four indoor acrylic courts, with funding provided by both the Lawn Tennis Association and Sport England. Funding was also provided by DDC and receipts from an insurance settlement relating to the destruction of a previous 'airhall' facility in 2007.

DDC cabinet member for access and property management Nigel Collor said: "We are extremely pleased to open this excellent new facility that replaces the former facility that was lost during a storm. "The new centre will give the opportunity for increased participation levels in sport and provide a superb permanent facility, as well as support our regeneration agenda for the future of the area."